Type 2 Diabetes Risk Reduced With Extra Virgin Olive Oil Fuelled Mediterranean Diet

New Blood Test Links Mediterranean Diet With Lower Diabetes Risk

^{Updated August 15th 2024}

Link Between Extra Virgin Olive Oil, The Mediterranean Diet And Reduced Diabetes Risk

The Mediterranean diet, a lifestyle choice celebrated for its heart-healthy effects, has the potential to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes. This culinary approach emphasizes whole foods, fresh produce, and plenty of healthy fats, particularly from extra virgin olive oil. Whether you’re managing diabetes, seeking nutritional guidance, or simply passionate about health, understanding how this diet can positively impact your well-being is crucial.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the profound connection between the Mediterranean diet, enriched with extra virgin olive oil, and its role in reducing Type 2 diabetes risk. You’ll discover insights into a new blood test linking the diet to lower diabetes risk, understand how these foods work to stabilize blood sugar levels, and leave with actionable tips to incorporate these healthy habits into your daily routine.

Type 2 Diabetes Risk Reduced With Extra Virgin Olive Oil Fuelled Mediterranean Diet

If you’ve been looking for yet another reason to follow the Mediterranean Diet – a research-backed regime of healthy eating habits including extra virgin olive oil – then this one’s for you.

A new blood test has found that consuming the traditional cuisines and ingredients popular in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea could lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Read on to find out more about how this groundbreaking discovery was made and what it means for individuals looking to maintain their health through diet tweaks!

According to a report from LabPulse.com, a blood test developed as part of a research study was used to objectively detect whether an individual is adhering to a Mediterranean diet and to explore the link between adherence to the diet and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

Understanding the Science Behind the Diabetes Type 2 Blood Test

The scientific basis of this blood test lies in the ability of certain compounds to influence metabolic processes in the body. Polyphenols, abundant in fruits, vegetables, and extra virgin olive oil, have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and nuts, support heart health and improve insulin sensitivity.

Researchers have identified specific biomarkers associated with these compounds, allowing for an accurate assessment of an individual’s dietary adherence. By measuring these markers, healthcare professionals can provide personalized recommendations to optimize health and reduce diabetes risk. This test empowers individuals to take control of their health by making informed dietary choices.

What Are The Benefits Of The Mediterranean Diet For Type 2 Diabetes Risk?

The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating that’s based on the traditional cuisines of Greece, Italy and other countries that border the Mediterranean Sea.

Plant-based foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices, are the foundation of the diet. Extra virgin olive oil is the main source of added fat.

Fish, seafood, dairy and poultry are included in moderation. Red meat and sweets are eaten only occasionally.

How Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can Stabilize Blood Sugar Levels

One of the key mechanisms through which the Mediterranean diet reduces diabetes risk is its ability to stabilize blood sugar levels. Extra virgin olive oil, with its unique composition of healthy fats and bioactive compounds, plays a crucial role in this process.

When consumed as part of a balanced meal, extra virgin olive oil slows down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. This leads to a gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream, preventing sharp spikes in blood sugar levels. Additionally, the monounsaturated fats in the oil enhance insulin sensitivity, allowing the body to utilize glucose more effectively.

According to research summarised in LabPulse.com, people who self-report that they follow a Mediterranean diet have a modestly lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

The findings from the recent study were published in PLOS Medicine.

The methodology as explained by LabPulse was the following:

The researchers’ novel biomarker-based indicator of a Mediterranean diet measures levels of certain molecules in the blood. First, the researchers identified that blood levels of 24 fatty acids and five carotenoids could predict whether participants from a clinical trial of 128 people had been assigned to follow a Mediterranean diet. Levels of these molecules in a person’s blood were used to calculate a biomarker score, which the researchers used as a measure of the extent to which they were following a Mediterranean diet.

Next, the researchers applied the biomarker score in a study of 340,234 people living in eight European countries, of whom 9,453 developed type 2 diabetes during follow-up and had relevant biomarkers measured. Comparing them with 12,749 participants who remained free of type 2 diabetes, the researchers found that people whose biomarker score indicated greater adherence to a Mediterranean diet were less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

For comparison, the researchers also asked participants to self-report their diet. They found that using the biomarker score identified a stronger link between the Mediterranean diet and reduced type 2 diabetes risk than when self-report was used. This finding suggests that previous self-report-based studies may have underestimated this association.

Based on these findings, the researchers contend that even a modest improvement in people’s adherence to a Mediterranean diet could meaningfully reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes. However, since it is currently unknown to what extent the biomarker score is specific to the Mediterranean diet, they note that additional research is needed to confirm their findings.

Our research, combining information from a dietary clinical trial and a large cohort study to identify and apply blood biomarkers for a dietary pattern, is exciting.It should stimulate development of improved methods to study diet-disease associations which are typically limited by reliance on subjective recall of eating.

Nita Gandhi Forouhi,University of Cambridge

Harnessing the Power of Healthy Fats Like Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The emphasis on healthy fats in the Mediterranean diet, particularly from extra virgin olive oil, is a key factor in its effectiveness for diabetes prevention. Unlike saturated fats found in processed foods, these fats promote satiety, reduce cravings, and support overall metabolic health.

Incorporating healthy fats into your meals not only enhances flavor but also provides essential nutrients that support brain health, hormone production, and immune function. By replacing unhealthy fats with those found in extra virgin olive oil, you can transform your diet into a powerful tool for managing blood sugar levels and reducing diabetes risk.

Conclusion

Incorporating the Mediterranean diet with extra virgin olive oil into your lifestyle is a powerful step toward reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes. By emphasizing whole foods, healthy fats, and mindful eating, you can transform your health and well-being. The new blood test linking this diet to lower diabetes risk provides a tangible way to assess your dietary habits and make informed choices.

Take action today by exploring Mediterranean recipes, integrating extra virgin olive oil into your meals, and considering the potential benefits of a balanced Mediterranean plate. Empower yourself with knowledge and make conscious decisions that will have a lasting impact on your health. For further resources, consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional to tailor your dietary plan to your individual needs